MICHAEL BOLEY AT MIDDLE LINEBACKER: A GOOD IDEA? (http://www.bigblueview.com/2012/3/27/2906099/michael-boley-at-middle-linebacker-a-good-idea#storyjump)

"During an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday, New York Giants (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-york-giants)
general manager Jerry Reese floated the possibility of Michael Boley (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1115/michael-boley)
playing middle linebacker for the Giants in 2012.

Reese would not have said it out loud if the idea wasn't truly on the table.
So, let's talk about it. Forget the other candidates, and the upcoming NFL
Draft, for a minute. Is Boley at middle linebacker a good idea?</p>

Boley is a seven-year veteran who has always played the weakside, or what is
not often called the 'WILL' linebacker position. He is 6-foot-3, 236 pounds --
not exactly classic 4-3 middle linebacker material.</p>
<p class="extend-divide"><a name="storyjump"></a>http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg</p>

Think about it, though, and Boley already functions much like a middle
linebacker for the Giants, anyway. He took over calling the defensive signals
for the Giants a season ago when Jonathan Goff (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34490/jonathan-goff)
went down to a season-ending injury, and it is Boley who makes most of the
pre-snap calls at the line of scrimmage. Pro-Football Reference as always listed
Boley as a left or right side linebacker. For 2011, he is listed simply as a
linebacker -- indicating the adjustment in the scheme the Giants play.</p>

When the Giants play their 4-2-5 alignment, which is more and more becoming
their base defense, Boley and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2229/mathias-kiwanuka">Mathias
Kiwanuka</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/131487/jacquian-williams">Jacquian
Williams</a> already line up and function somewhat like middle linebackers. In
pass defense, range in coverage is a requirement of Perry Fewell's zone-heavy
schemes, anyway, and we know Boley can run, cover and handle those deep
drops.</p>

So, Boley as the 'de facto' middle linebacker in the Giants' defense might
not be as far-fetched as it sounds the first time you hear it. What do you
think, Giants' fans?"</p>

GiantsYanks

03-27-2012, 03:16 PM

MICHAEL BOLEY AT MIDDLE LINEBACKER: A GOOD IDEA? (http://www.bigblueview.com/2012/3/27/2906099/michael-boley-at-middle-linebacker-a-good-idea#storyjump)

"During an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday, New York Giants (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-york-giants)
general manager Jerry Reese floated the possibility of Michael Boley (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1115/michael-boley)
playing middle linebacker for the Giants in 2012.

Reese would not have said it out loud if the idea wasn't truly on the table.
So, let's talk about it. Forget the other candidates, and the upcoming NFL
Draft, for a minute. Is Boley at middle linebacker a good idea?</p>

Boley is a seven-year veteran who has always played the weakside, or what is
not often called the 'WILL' linebacker position. He is 6-foot-3, 236 pounds --
not exactly classic 4-3 middle linebacker material.</p>
<p class="extend-divide"><a name="storyjump"></a>http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg</p>

Think about it, though, and Boley already functions much like a middle
linebacker for the Giants, anyway. He took over calling the defensive signals
for the Giants a season ago when Jonathan Goff (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34490/jonathan-goff)
went down to a season-ending injury, and it is Boley who makes most of the
pre-snap calls at the line of scrimmage. Pro-Football Reference as always listed
Boley as a left or right side linebacker. For 2011, he is listed simply as a
linebacker -- indicating the adjustment in the scheme the Giants play.</p>

When the Giants play their 4-2-5 alignment, which is more and more becoming
their base defense, Boley and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2229/mathias-kiwanuka">Mathias
Kiwanuka</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/131487/jacquian-williams">Jacquian
Williams</a> already line up and function somewhat like middle linebackers. In
pass defense, range in coverage is a requirement of Perry Fewell's zone-heavy
schemes, anyway, and we know Boley can run, cover and handle those deep
drops.</p>

So, Boley as the 'de facto' middle linebacker in the Giants' defense might
not be as far-fetched as it sounds the first time you hear it. What do you
think, Giants' fans?"</p>

Like the article says he plays all over the field for us anyway. If we dont' draft a MLB or sign a vet through free agency sure why not move him over to MLB as long as he's still covering the TE. Vernon Davis killed us in that first 49ers game when he went down at the half time.

MattMeyerBud

03-27-2012, 03:19 PM

MICHAEL BOLEY AT MIDDLE LINEBACKER: A GOOD IDEA? (http://www.bigblueview.com/2012/3/27/2906099/michael-boley-at-middle-linebacker-a-good-idea#storyjump)

"During an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday, New York Giants (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-york-giants)
general manager Jerry Reese floated the possibility of Michael Boley (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1115/michael-boley)
playing middle linebacker for the Giants in 2012.

Reese would not have said it out loud if the idea wasn't truly on the table.
So, let's talk about it. Forget the other candidates, and the upcoming NFL
Draft, for a minute. Is Boley at middle linebacker a good idea?</p>

Boley is a seven-year veteran who has always played the weakside, or what is
not often called the 'WILL' linebacker position. He is 6-foot-3, 236 pounds --
not exactly classic 4-3 middle linebacker material.</p>
<p class="extend-divide"><a name="storyjump"></a>http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg</p>

Think about it, though, and Boley already functions much like a middle
linebacker for the Giants, anyway. He took over calling the defensive signals
for the Giants a season ago when Jonathan Goff (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34490/jonathan-goff)
went down to a season-ending injury, and it is Boley who makes most of the
pre-snap calls at the line of scrimmage. Pro-Football Reference as always listed
Boley as a left or right side linebacker. For 2011, he is listed simply as a
linebacker -- indicating the adjustment in the scheme the Giants play.</p>

When the Giants play their 4-2-5 alignment, which is more and more becoming
their base defense, Boley and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2229/mathias-kiwanuka">Mathias
Kiwanuka</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/131487/jacquian-williams">Jacquian
Williams</a> already line up and function somewhat like middle linebackers. In
pass defense, range in coverage is a requirement of Perry Fewell's zone-heavy
schemes, anyway, and we know Boley can run, cover and handle those deep
drops.</p>

So, Boley as the 'de facto' middle linebacker in the Giants' defense might
not be as far-fetched as it sounds the first time you hear it. What do you
think, Giants' fans?"</p>

he functions like a MLB except for maybe one key major factor: he may be our worst tackling Linebacker...

If he could tackle like he should he would be recognized as a top 4-3 linebacker

MikeIsaGiant

03-27-2012, 03:21 PM

I think we still need to draft. We need depth, we need a blanket of security

Kruunch

03-27-2012, 03:23 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy.

Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller.

Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

MattMeyerBud

03-27-2012, 03:25 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy.

Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller.

Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

hes still on the field for nickle

theres no set rules, hes in on most nickle packages

Kruunch

03-27-2012, 03:32 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy.

Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller.

Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

hes still on the field for nickle

theres no set rules, hes in on most nickle packages

Correct, however in the past (and traditionally) our MLB calls the defense and in the nickle package the "classic" MLB (Goff, Pierce, Barrow) trots off the field.

With Boley at MLB you don't have that ... you keep the play calling ability but don't lose the player on nickle packages (Kiwi or JWill trot off instead).

MattMeyerBud

03-27-2012, 03:34 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy.

Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller.

Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

hes still on the field for nickle

theres no set rules, hes in on most nickle packages

Correct, however in the past (and traditionally) our MLB calls the defense and in the nickle package the "classic" MLB (Goff, Pierce, Barrow) trots off the field.

With Boley at MLB you don't have that ... you keep the play calling ability but don't lose the player on nickle packages (Kiwi or JWill trot off instead).

true, but we have a liability against the run at MLB if Boley is our MLB in a base 4-3

Im not too excited about that idea at all

TrueBlue@NYC

03-27-2012, 03:48 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy. Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller. Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

hes still on the field for nickle

theres no set rules, hes in on most nickle packages
Correct, however in the past (and traditionally) our MLB calls the defense and in the nickle package the "classic" MLB (Goff, Pierce, Barrow) trots off the field. With Boley at MLB you don't have that ... you keep the play calling ability but don't lose the player on nickle packages (Kiwi or JWill trot off instead).

true, but we have a liability against the run at MLB if Boley is our MLB in a base 4-3

Im not too excited about that idea at all
</P>

Yeah, I could see them doing it for the sake of getting JWill on the field and putting their best 11 guys out there (similar to why they moved Kiwi to LB). But Boley doesn't do well when he's got to fight through the trash and take on blockers, which MLBers have to be able to do in our scheme. </P>

</P>

Kruunch

03-27-2012, 03:55 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy. Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller. Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

hes still on the field for nickle

theres no set rules, hes in on most nickle packages
Correct, however in the past (and traditionally) our MLB calls the defense and in the nickle package the "classic" MLB (Goff, Pierce, Barrow) trots off the field. With Boley at MLB you don't have that ... you keep the play calling ability but don't lose the player on nickle packages (Kiwi or JWill trot off instead).

true, but we have a liability against the run at MLB if Boley is our MLB in a base 4-3

Im not too excited about that idea at all
</P>

Yeah, I could see them doing it for the sake of getting JWill on the field and putting their best 11 guys out there (similar to why they moved Kiwi to LB). But Boley doesn't do well when he's got to fight through the trash and take on blockers, which MLBers have to be able to do in our scheme. </P>

*</P>

And yet we didn't have that problem when Boley was playing MLB for us this year including run heavy teams such as Atlanta, Jets and 49ers.

I don't think there is a single power run team in existence right now (the Jets were probably the closest in 2010).

Kase-1

03-27-2012, 04:00 PM

Im a HUGE Boley fan but for him to be the MIKE he needs to bulk up and step up his run support. At this point id rather have Kiwi, Herzlich, and Boley as our starting LBs with JQ Williams spelling our guys and coming in for specialty packages

TuckYou

03-27-2012, 04:17 PM

Our defense is all about being versitile and playing all over the field. Antrel coming up to the line, Kiwi playing LB, Tuck playing DT. These are not their natural positions. If Boley goes to MLB, it wont be his natural position. He was the captain on D along with Trel though, calling the plays and making sure everyone is lined up right. But I have been dying for a real solid LB on this team for years and years. I guess Reese makes it not matter as much, since we just won the SB without one, but LBs are nice to have for tackling and stopping the run, not having to rely on T2 or Rolle to lead the team in tackles. </P>

LB is a weakness on this team that we never address. <FONT color=#ff0000>Why not just put JPP back there as a LB? Or maybe Chad Jones can play LB when he comes back?</FONT></P>

<FONT color=#000000>Actually, if Chad Jones comes back healthy, that might not be a bad idea. He is the size of a LB. Wonder if he can still have burst or is smart enough to grasp the LB intangables.</FONT></P>

THE_New_York_Giants

03-27-2012, 04:18 PM

MICHAEL BOLEY AT MIDDLE LINEBACKER:* A GOOD IDEA? (http://www.bigblueview.com/2012/3/27/2906099/michael-boley-at-middle-linebacker-a-good-idea#storyjump)

"During an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday, New York Giants (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-york-giants)
general manager Jerry Reese floated the possibility of Michael Boley (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1115/michael-boley)
playing middle linebacker for the Giants in 2012.

Reese would not have said it out loud if the idea wasn't truly on the table.
So, let's talk about it. Forget the other candidates, and the upcoming NFL
Draft, for a minute. Is Boley at middle linebacker a good idea?</p>

Boley is a seven-year veteran who has always played the weakside, or what is
not often called the 'WILL' linebacker position. He is 6-foot-3, 236 pounds --
not exactly classic 4-3 middle linebacker material.</p>
<p class="extend-divide"><a name="storyjump"></a>http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg</p>

Think about it, though, and Boley already functions much like a middle
linebacker for the Giants, anyway. He took over calling the defensive signals
for the Giants a season ago when Jonathan Goff (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34490/jonathan-goff)
went down to a season-ending injury, and it is Boley who makes most of the
pre-snap calls at the line of scrimmage. Pro-Football Reference as always listed
Boley as a left or right side linebacker. For 2011, he is listed simply as a
linebacker -- indicating the adjustment in the scheme the Giants play.</p>

When the Giants play their 4-2-5 alignment, which is more and more becoming
their base defense, Boley and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2229/mathias-kiwanuka">Mathias
Kiwanuka</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/131487/jacquian-williams">Jacquian
Williams</a> already line up and function somewhat like middle linebackers. In
pass defense, range in coverage is a requirement of Perry Fewell's zone-heavy
schemes, anyway, and we know Boley can run, cover and handle those deep
drops.</p>

So, Boley as the 'de facto' middle linebacker in the Giants' defense might
not be as far-fetched as it sounds the first time you hear it. What do you
think, Giants' fans?"</p>

he functions like a MLB except for maybe one key major factor: he may be our worst tackling Linebacker...

If he could tackle like he should he would be recognized as a top 4-3 linebacker

Last year his tackling was great down the stretch. He had key tackles in the Dallas and Falcons games that forced fourth downs and stopped conversions.

Kruunch

03-27-2012, 04:29 PM

[he functions like a MLB except for maybe one key major factor: he may be our worst tackling Linebacker...

If he could tackle like he should he would be recognized as a top 4-3 linebacker

Ummmm he was our second leading tackler (94 versus Rolle's 100 combined) last year and that's with missing 3.5 games.

Don't know where you guys get the idea he's not a solid tackler.

burier

03-27-2012, 05:31 PM

So let me get this straight.

We're already quite weak at linebacker and the idea is to move the only good linebacker we have out of his natural position to Mike where he will be closed in and forced to play in greater traffic negating his main asset being speed.

sounds great. LETS DO IT!!!!

RoanokeFan

03-27-2012, 05:39 PM

He played MLB for us this year well, called the defense well and was sorely missed when he went down with a hammy.

Not to mention with Boley as an MLB, you could keep him on the field in the nickel package and not lose your defensive play caller.

Considering the classic MLB as a position is disappearing in the NFL I'd say Boley would work extremely well in that capacity.

hes still on the field for nickle

theres no set rules, hes in on most nickle packages

Correct, however in the past (and traditionally) our MLB calls the defense and in the nickle package the "classic" MLB (Goff, Pierce, Barrow) trots off the field.

With Boley at MLB you don't have that ... you keep the play calling ability but don't lose the player on nickle packages (Kiwi or JWill trot off instead).

true, but we have a liability against the run at MLB if Boley is our MLB in a base 4-3

Im not too excited about that idea at all

All things considered, we're better off with Boley on the field than not with our current personnel rotation at LB.

JesseJames

03-27-2012, 06:05 PM

I'm hoping that Herzlich can benefit from OTAs and summer camp and show us he's our MLB because my opinion is if a team needs a MLB then you do what most teams do they go out and get what they need and stop all this experiment stuff..

hungrrrry

03-27-2012, 06:12 PM

I don't mind the idea...it means we will have a veteran in there instead of a 2nd year guy. I preferred Chase over the younger guys and still wouldn't mind him in there, at least, but Boley has more talent.

Curious to see if this means we may look to add depth through free agency (since any decent prospects at MLB are dried up) on the Weak side to fill his intended role. Or are we targetting one or both positions (MLB and Will) in the draft?

I will be interested to see how this unfolds if it does indeed take place, officially!

lawl

03-27-2012, 07:43 PM

Doesn't matter. Between Boley Jwill and Kiwi our LBers are good enough. If our secondary doesn't have 8000 ACL tears like last season then our defense will be much much better.

B&RWarrior

03-27-2012, 09:03 PM

So let me get this straight.

We're already quite weak at linebacker and the idea is to move the only good linebacker we have out of his natural position to Mike where he will be closed in and forced to play in greater traffic negating his main asset being speed.

sounds great. LETS DO IT!!!!

This

slipknottin

03-27-2012, 09:25 PM

As far as Im concerned the giants base defense is a 4-2-5, so only two linebackers, but they have three good ones, Kiwi, Boley, and JWill.

Bigger need is finding that third safety that can play the hybrid LB role, Grant is no longer on the team and may retire.

T2 may play some of that, but Id prefer a safety with a bit more size.

lawl

03-27-2012, 10:43 PM

As far as Im concerned the giants base defense is a 4-2-5, so only two linebackers, but they have three good ones, Kiwi, Boley, and JWill.

Bigger need is finding that third safety that can play the hybrid LB role, Grant is no longer on the team and may retire.

T2 may play some of that, but Id prefer a safety with a bit more size.

Yeremiah bell as another stop gap?

slipknottin

03-27-2012, 10:52 PM

Yeremiah bell as another stop gap?

Hes no bigger than Thomas. What you really want is a guy Chad Jones or Deon Grant size. 6'2 220 or perhaps even a little bigger.

lawl

03-27-2012, 10:58 PM

Yeremiah bell as another stop gap?

Hes no bigger than Thomas. What you really want is a guy Chad Jones or Deon Grant size. 6'2 220 or perhaps even a little bigger.

Good luck

slipknottin

03-27-2012, 11:00 PM

Good luck

Sash might be able to play it, hes 210. Might be able to add a little bit of weight without hurting his athleticism.

bLuereverie

03-27-2012, 11:02 PM

Maybe we can get a true tampa2 linebacker. What's Gary Brackett doing these days

slipknottin

03-27-2012, 11:04 PM

Maybe we can get a true tampa2 linebacker.* What's Gary Brackett doing these days

Boley is bigger and more physical than Brackett is...

If theres an issue with Boley being too small to play inside, well... you dont want Brackett in there.

Captain Chaos

03-27-2012, 11:06 PM

Forget about the play calling, the MLB has got to be able to stop the run up the middle, and that means taking a beating. Love Boley but he's a little small for that I think. Not sure how long he would last before he was injured. Need someone who can mix it up...

JMFP2

03-27-2012, 11:28 PM

We should sign Quantrell Bishop.

JJC7301

03-27-2012, 11:31 PM

Just bring back Blackburn already. And Goff, too. They'll be fine at MIKE unless we draft someone in the 1st.

BlueSanta

03-28-2012, 12:35 AM

TC's official response to this rumor... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfpyGyb1J4I)

pino

03-28-2012, 06:48 PM

Well, considering how lost our LB's looked when Boley was injured, I'd say this is a good idea. They definitely missed his leadership out there.